CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide finds a small trash can fire in the resident's room and decides it is safe to use a fire extinguisher. Using the PASS technique, what should the aide do immediately after pulling the pin?
- ASweep the nozzle side to side
- BStand as close to the fire as possible
- CAim at the base of the fire
- DSqueeze the handle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Aim at the base of the fire
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. After pulling the pin, the next step is to aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames, before squeezing the handle and sweeping side to side.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sweeping is the last step, done after squeezing the handle.
- B. Standing too close is unsafe; maintain a safe distance from the fire.
- D. Squeezing comes after aiming, not immediately after pulling the pin.
PASS Fire Extinguisher Technique
PASS is the technique for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
- Pull pin to unlock the extinguisher
- Aim at the base, not the flames
- Sweep is the final step after squeezing
Memory trick: Pull, Aim low, Squeeze, Sweep it clean